Even though Proteas came out on top over Group 1 table toppers in Sharjah, they faced elimination from the tournament due to a lesser net run rate than England and Australia, who also won 4 of their 5 Super 12 games. Thus, their head coach Mark Boucher called it a “bitter pill to swallow” as some unconvincing play in wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh came back to haunt South Africa.
On the day, having made 189/2, South Africa needed to keep England down to 131 or less if they were to qualify for the semis at the expense of Australia. But the Three Lions made 179/8 in response.
Learn more 👉 South Africa clinch 10-run win over England but lose out on semi-final race
Amidst criticism for their approach against Bangladesh, Boucher said – as quoted by ESPNcricinfo – the “intention” was always to try and chase down the total as early as possible but what made it tougher for them is a fresh strip in Abu Dhabi which “was going all over the shop” for the pacers and resulted in early breakthroughs.
In certain corners, South Africa’s exit has triggered a debate around the fairness of NRR as a factor in breaking ties. But Boucher denied those suggestions, saying the yardstick is acceptable since it makes each ball count in tournament play.
“We knew what the rules were before. As long as there is clarity around there, you’ve got to play what the rules are,”
the coach and legendary former Proteas wicketkeeper-batter added.
Boucher noted down positives for the tournament by his young, promising lot and said “we are improving” and have “upskilled” themselves in the last couple of weeks.
Despite talks of their decline, South Africa showed in the tournament that they aren’t short of talent and can punch hard when pushed into a corner.
